Diane Gelman

Lives and works in Houston, TX, USA

Artist statement

I am a mixed media artist, layering together images, designs, and fantasy. Much of my artworks are hyper-realistic food sculptures and paintings with collage, adding depth and interest. My work is whimsical, colorful, and full of realistic details. A signature aspect of my work is the unique method of building my paintings into 3-dimensional works using paint, hand-carved, layered foam core board, cardboard, found objects, fabric, and resin, to add texture and depth. Collage adds vitality, whimsy, and a surreal aspect to a rigorously composed painting. My techniques with collage mix the boundaries between figure and ground, portrait and landscape, fine art and craft. The result is tactile, bold work that engages process, form, and narrative equally. My artworks showcase nature, interesting people, and most especially, exciting food. I am also a Registered Dietitian, with a varied career, transitioning to becoming an artist, specializing in hyper-realistic Food-based Paintings and oversized Food Sculptures. I want my art to look so real and delicious, that the viewer will be tempted to reach into the work. I also create portraits and nature-based artworks, that are a celebration and affirmation of life, showcasing the unique personality of the subject. I like creating inventive artwork, solving challenges when exploring new techniques and integrating repurposed materials into my artwork. My artworks are improvisations on realistic images fused onto fanciful themes. I find...

Artwork